Loss of culture is loss of identity; Khandu

Itanagar, Sep 1 (UNI) Stressing the need to preserve indigenous culture, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu today exhorted the youth of the state to protect, preserve and promote their cultural heritage.

'' Though it is necessary to adopt western culture to cope with the competitive world but efforts should be made simultaneously to preserve one's own rich tradition and culture '', the chief minister pointed out while speaking at the Solung festival of the Adi community here.

''Loss of culture is loss of identity,'' Mr Khandu said.

He also called upon the people of the Adi community to work for documentation of their unique culture for the future generations.

''Arunachal Pradesh with 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes has earned distinction in the country for its colourful festivals and Solung, the agriculture and socio-religious festival binds the people irrespective of caste and creed,'' he commented hoping the festival would herald peace and prosperity for the state.

Expressing concern over the large-scale killing of Mithun (State animal) during festivals and elections, the chief minister urged the people to stop such act in order to protect the beautiful animal from imminent extinction.

He also donated Rs two lakh for the cultural troupes and the celebration committee.

Dances performed by various cultural troupes besides release of souvenir, audio cassettes and community feast were the major highlights of the day-long festival.